Meta confirmed to CNBC that an error on Instagram is causing some users’ Reels feeds to display violent and sexually explicit videos that would not normally be recommended by the platform’s algorithms. The company stated it is actively working to resolve the issue and apologized for the mistake.
“We are fixing an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended,” a Meta spokesperson said. “We apologize for the mistake.”
Users across various social media platforms have reported an unusual influx of graphic content in their Reels feeds. One Reddit user described their page as being inundated with videos depicting school shootings and murder, while others reported a continuous stream of content featuring stabbings, beheadings, castration, nudity, uncensored porn, and even rape. Some users noted that these videos continued to appear even after they had enabled Sensitive Content Control and selected “Not Interested” on violent or sexual content.
Normally, Instagram’s algorithms are designed to show users videos similar to the content they typically interact with. However, the current error appears to have bypassed these controls, surfacing graphic videos that contradict the platform’s policies. According to Meta’s guidelines, the company removes the most graphic content and adds warning labels to other sensitive material, and it does not permit real photographs and videos of nudity or sexual activity.
Meta did not disclose specific details about the nature of the error but acknowledged that some of the videos appearing in users’ feeds should not have been available on the platform in the first place. The company is working to rectify the issue and ensure that its content recommendations align with its established policies aimed at protecting users from disturbing material.
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